BYU earns NCAA at-large bid; will face Oregon in Milwaukee

Flinch, my point is quite simple; it needs to be for Utah "fans" to
understand. Everyone knows that difference in quality of opponents doesn't
explain the spread between the two games.

Reno Cougs Fan 68Reno, NV

March 18, 2014 2:37 p.m.

Two for Flinching,Utah has no history of dancing as member of the mighty
PAC12!!! All of their tourney history came as part of that rabble rousers called
Mid-majors!!!

Go Cougs beat the Ducks!!!

Two For FlinchingSalt Lake City, UT

March 17, 2014 10:44 p.m.

@ Sports Are Great

Depends on the game. Utah lost to Arizona by 9,
4, and 32 in their three meetings this season. I'm not sure what
you're trying to argue, because Arizona is head and shoulders above
Gonzaga. Everybody knows that.

worfMcallen, TX

March 17, 2014 8:16 p.m.

@GoRed:

State champs don't usually go undefeated.

BYU
has the most in-state victories, and are in the NCAA tournament.

Nuff
said!---NCAA tournament!

rlsintxPlano, TX

March 17, 2014 7:26 p.m.

I'm still wondering how this happened. I could see a play-in game. I
can't see BYU beating Oregon minus Collinsworth as a cog in the gears.
Maybe we'll see someone just Rise Up and make a name for this team in
Cougar lore. Next year, I can see this team being one of the best in the
country though.

Lifelong UteSalt Lake City, UT

March 17, 2014 5:00 p.m.

copacetic

"Isn't it funny that byu hasn't gone past
the sweet 16 in several decades?

And byu has zero final fours
EVER"

That's what I said. YOUR ignorance is showing now
isn't it?

Lifelong UteSalt Lake City, UT

March 17, 2014 4:59 p.m.

@copacetic,

"Your basketball ignorance is showing"

NO, it is your ignorance showing. Go read what I wrote. I said byu
hasn't advanced PAST the sweet 16 in several decades, and that would be
correct.

You are wrong.

KenSandy, UT

March 17, 2014 4:19 p.m.

@Copacetic - You do realize the difference between advanced past the sweet 16
and making it to the sweet 16 is right? Lifelong Ute said byU hasn't made
it PAST the sweet 16 in a long time. You misstated what he said.

But don't let facts get in your way of spin

Sports Are GreatSalt Lake City, UT

March 17, 2014 3:55 p.m.

Flinchy,

Just how big of a spread would be due to the fact Arizona is
better? 10? 20? 50? I guess if byu lost by 1 and Utah lost by 100 you'd
still be chalking it up to better competition for Utah? Great logic there pal.

Two For FlinchingSalt Lake City, UT

March 17, 2014 3:17 p.m.

"Another fact: Losing by 11 (BYU's last game) is obviously much better
than losing by 32 (Utah's last game)."

Losing is losing.
However, the point spread can easily be explained by the fact that Utah played a
top 5 team, while BYU played one that is unranked.

Don't Feed the TrollsSalt Lake City, UT

March 17, 2014 2:57 p.m.

@sgnewhall, CA"I think it's great, but I also believe
Oregon will beat BYU by 20 points. It's going to be ugly."

Ugly is 32 points...

ObjectifiedTooele, UT

March 17, 2014 12:53 p.m.

@ sg:

Since it took overtime for Oregon to beat BYU at Oregon, what
is your reasoning for thinking Oregon will "crush BYU by 20 points" at a
neutral site? That makes no objective sense at all. Another Chris prediction?

But to be fair to you, you're not alone. You have quite a few
fellow Ute fans who also spout things that make no objective sense. And when
they keep doing so, as some do, they soon lose all credibility with most other
readers. They often make me smile, roll my eyes, and wonder if they are posting
during high school class breaks.

When a key player goes down on a
team, that team often uses that for motivation to pick it up and perform even
better. That happened in BYU's last game against Gonzaga. After Kyle got
hurt, BYU actually narrowed Gonzaga's lead and soon-after forced coach Few
to take a time-out to regroup. That motivation could carry over into this next
game with Oregon. I wouldn't bet the house against it.

Another
fact: Losing by 11 (BYU's last game) is obviously much better than losing
by 32 (Utah's last game).

patriotCedar Hills, UT

March 17, 2014 12:30 p.m.

Oregon is better than the Y. BYU will have to play it's best game of the
season to get past the first round.

SagaciousLogan, UT

March 17, 2014 12:26 p.m.

@ Go Red:

Once again Utah won the one-day battle while BYU ended up
winning the season-long war. Had those 2 teams played in Provo, BYU
would've undoubtedly won both the battle and war.

When all
statistics were taken into consideration, BYU is currently ranked #33 and Utah
#81. The facts speak for themselves. And season-long facts carry a lot more
weight than a single-game result.

The selection committee is made up
of college basketball experts from all around the country. As such, what they
think of BYU carries a whole lot more weight than what a few very biased Ute
fans think. And the NCAA versus NIT seeding confirms that.

Utah was
very good at home this year. But they often laid eggs on the road, as their last
game with that record-setting performance for futility confirmed. One
would think that getting blown out 71-39 would've (and should've)
quieted some of their more obnoxious fans for awhile. But being that engrained,
it apparently didn't.

Good luck Cougars. That first game is
very winnable.

BlueHuskyMission Viejo, CA

March 17, 2014 12:20 p.m.

Mark it down:

St Mary's will beat Utah.Oregon should beat
BYU without Collinsworth, but I'll take BYU and the points.

I
remember BYU crushing Washington and Oregon last year.

CopaceticLogan, UT

March 17, 2014 11:56 a.m.

Chris and the customary anti-BYU naysayers...

BYU has a credible
chance in the first round. As they took Oregon to OT when playing at Oregon,
playing at a neutral site would seem to give the edge to BYU.

But
even if BYU happens to lose in the first round, one-and-done is multiple times
greater than not even being invited to the Big Dance. Half of all teams who are
invited end up being one-and-done. So it's not a big deal. For the record,
how many years has it been since Utah has even been to the NCAA tournament? It
would seem some of their fans are throwing stones while living in glass houses.
Glass cracks and breaks quite easily.

@ Lifelong Ute:

Your basketball ignorance is showing. BYU went to the Sweet-16 just a few
years ago when Jimmer was on the team... not "decades" as you claim.
They came within a whisker of going to the final 8 that year. Exactly how long
has it been since Utah has done that?

It seems nearly impossible for
some Ute fans to give any credit to anyone besides the Utes. Sad.

TXAfghanVetDallas, TX

March 17, 2014 10:46 a.m.

Glad the Cougs are in. Sad that Collinsworth is out. Still trying to figure out
if it's better to be one-and-done, or none-and-done? I'll have to
think on that for while.

And if I were a fan of a school that was in
a conference that sent half the conference to the dance, but my team stayed
home, again, I'm not sure I'd crow about it.

As for the
Final Four appearances, next time I'm on the hill, I'll have to stop
by and see the trophy....oh, wait.

CougarCatTucson, AZ

March 17, 2014 10:04 a.m.

BYU - 1st round vs. Oregon - a rematch against a bunch the Cougars almost took
out in the fall. With KC out it's time for some guys to step up. Halford,
Bartley, Sharp, Worthington....and of course the hot and cold
Carlino....let's see what you guys can do. Each of you should be getting
more minutes this time around.

P.S. to the W.S. Wildcats - too bad
you got our Tucson Wildcats right off the bat - otherwise I'd be pulling
for you too.

Reno Cougs Fan 68Reno, NV

March 17, 2014 9:53 a.m.

Go Red,The selection committee does not just look at W-L record but at RPI
and SOS! BYU had a much better overall strength of schedule then Utah! Byu
earned this seeding and now has to earn a win and a next game!!! Utah earned a
#5 seed in the NIT with a very weak OOC and they will have to win a road game to
continue their season!!!

Go Cougs beat the Ducks!!! Good luck to the
rest of the Utah teams!!!

Ed GradyIdaho Falls, ID

March 17, 2014 9:22 a.m.

All this anger and envy from the Utes is .... sweet.

AllenSalt Lake valley, UT

March 17, 2014 8:54 a.m.

It's interesting to see who supports their conference and who supports the
state.

Old ScarecrowBrigham City, UT

March 17, 2014 5:16 a.m.

One and done beats none and none every time. And just maybe . . .? That's
how true fans are supposed to feel!

CBAXProvo, UT

March 17, 2014 4:49 a.m.

Bowling and dancing. It all sounds like a YSA ward without imagination.

agbLayton, UT

March 17, 2014 4:20 a.m.

Ute fans are a curious bunch indeed. Normally we hear "better to play and
lose in the PAC than win in the WCC" and "at least the Utes don't
play in high school gyms." But according to ute fan logic it's better
to play in a high school gym in the NIT than against a PAC 12 opponent in the
NCAA tourney.

But fret not u fans I'm sure the same researchers
that came up with a solution for cold fusion can come up with a cure for your
cognitive dissonance.

sgnewhall, CA

March 17, 2014 12:55 a.m.

I think it's great, but I also believe Oregon will beat BYU by 20 points.
It's going to be ugly. BYU is not that good a team. They are slow and they
can't hit the 3 on a consistent basis. They will NOT advance past their
round. Go Ducks!

Yankees24SLC, UT

March 17, 2014 12:42 a.m.

I find it quite amusing that Utah fans are on here bashing BYU for making the
tourney while their Utes are in the NIT. Without Collinsworth I think BYU's
chances are pretty slim. Oregon has the better team, but BYU is very capable of
pulling off the upset. It should be quite a game.

BastiatarianTUCSON, AZ

March 17, 2014 12:19 a.m.

@Uteology

Yes, yes. I said that I DO remember when Utah was good in
basketball. Utah was good relatively consistently under Majerus. That's
great, but we're well into the 21st century now. After Giacoletti's
first season (with Majerus' team, basically), Utah has almost always been
mediocre or bad, ending up watching the post-season on TV.

@Two For
Flinching>Besides Arizona and UCLA, who in the PAC has a better
tournament history than Utah?

That might be a relevant point if any
teams in the conference other than Arizona and UCLA actually had a solid,
long-term tradition of success in basketball. A few seasons with somewhat
increased competition don't make the Pac-12 a power conference. (I'm a
lifelong Pac-8/10/12 fan, so I wish that it were, but it's not.) The level
of competition for third best overall in the history of the Pac-10/12 is pretty
low. You've got Arizona and UCLA, then a huge drop, followed by some school
that has a few good seasons here and there. In addition, Utah's successes
in the NCAA tournament a long time ago are irrelevant to its relative position
in the Pac-12 right now.

Two For FlinchingSalt Lake City, UT

March 16, 2014 11:49 p.m.

@ moderateinmagna and poyman

Utah has been to the big dance twice in
the last decade (2005, 2009). Once going to the sweet 16, the other being a
one-and-done appearance.

BlackDiamondProvo, UT

March 16, 2014 11:49 p.m.

Once again I would like to thank all the Utes who are following our BYU team.
It has been great having all of you following and supporting us. Please
continue to follow our team as they continue on to the big dance. All the
success that have we owe to our followers. Once again thanks for the support,
our first game will be against the Ducks on Thursday. Much Love From Provo.

LinusBountiful, UT

March 16, 2014 11:39 p.m.

Isn't it sad that Utah fans have had to move their loyalty from their team
to their conference. I feel quite sorry for our former-conference brothers.
I'll be so glad when this sibling rivalry ends and we finally and
completely stop playing games against each other. Then the hate may fade.

Y Grad / Y DadRichland, WA

March 16, 2014 11:02 p.m.

CougOrUte..NaahNibley, UT

"Not a big Cougar fan, but I have
to congratulate them for getting the invitation. Wow a 10 seed is great. I think
it surprised everyone. I hope you do well and win your first game, that is the
only way you are going to quiet the Ute fan who post on BYU articles."

No, the only way to quiet the gnashing of teeth from the ankle-biters on
the hill is to win it all.

In other words, prepare to tune out...

oldtimeftballerSalt Lake City, UT

March 16, 2014 10:54 p.m.

Congrats to the Utah schools....

But...

All the smack talk
is a joke. BYU fan here, but let's win something before we spout off at
the U. We haven't won a league title or conference title. We haven't
won anything in a long LONG LONG time! And we may win one game if we are lucky
so oz stop like we are a powerhouse. And remember Utah beat us by 20...to talk
smacking them when they beat us head to head is dumb people! Guess you have
short memories.

And Utah enough. Much improved and a young team with
a promising future...but like football you are learning the PAC is tough and you
haven't done squat. So Coach K is great but fans get a reality check and
lets hope Weber State comes closer than u vs Arizona

Utah Valley GuySpringville, UT

March 16, 2014 10:32 p.m.

Looks like the Cougars wins over Texas, Stanford, and Gonzaga while playing a
lot of very good teams to close losses were given more weight than their sad
losses to a few sad teams.

Kudos to the committee for giving the
Cougars a chance! The way they reacted to the news, I'm thinking that
they're pretty happy to have the rematch with Oregon. Maybe they can find
the mental toughness they've lacked all season. Hopefully, they're
learning, as a very young team, the importance of the mental aspects of the game
and how to gain the edge in that department.

RockwellBaltimore, MD

March 16, 2014 10:13 p.m.

Ken

#33 BYU seeded 39th overall in the NCAA tournament.

#81 Utah seeded 20th overall in the NIT tournament.

It's
pretty clear that BYU is the best overall team in the state.

moderateinmagnaMAGNA, UT

March 16, 2014 10:13 p.m.

UteologyEast Salt Lake City, Utah you can spin and lie all you want but
tghde fact is that thee utes have not been in the ncaa in the past drecade
and nothing you say will ever change that ,fact #2 BYU has owned U in the
last decade as well so spin away becuz history is history sour grapes on
all the utes jealousy is overtaking their common sense,Btw ST, MARY,S could
do the same thing that AZ.did to the utes since they are playing on a
high school gym as you so obviously know as that is qall we have heard for 3
years from you .thre size of the gyms that BYU plays in karma my man karma.

Mark321Las Vegas, NV

March 16, 2014 9:59 p.m.

I hope BYU continues beefing up there non-conference schedule in future
schedules similar to this year. Who would've thought BYU would get in 23-11
as an at-large bid from the WCC. Obviously that was a big factor to the
committee.

Just the FAXOlympus Cove, Utah

March 16, 2014 9:50 p.m.

After the dust had settled, RPI obviously trumped BPI, just as BYU fans were
saying it would.

BYU #33 RPI, #42 BPI, in the Big Dance as the #39
overall seed for the 7th time during the Dave Rose era.

Utah #81 RPI,
#34 BPI, on the outside looking for the 8th time during the last 9 seasons.

Two For FlinchingSalt Lake City, UT

March 16, 2014 9:40 p.m.

@ Bastiatarian

Besides Arizona and UCLA, who in the PAC has a better
tournament history than Utah?

poymanLincoln City, OR

March 16, 2014 9:37 p.m.

So much to say and so few words...

@lifelonguteIt must be a
very bad feeling to have to take consolation in how other teams in your
conference (who trounced your team) do in the NCAA Touney...

@ crow,
azute, greatute, and Yankees27As has already been said, one and done is
far better than never to have been one, but once in the past 10 years... which
btw, was a one and done appearance... lol.

@greatute and yankee27Oregon will roll according to you folks as they are 8 of 9 over the past 9
games??? I believe they were 12-0 when BYU led by 10 the entire game on the
Ducks home floor with friendly refs and a friendly crowd... True BYU dropped the
game in OT after both Bigs fouled out and Collinsworth had missed several foul
shots... I like BYU's match up against the undersized Ducks.

Cow
seems to be the cuisine of choice for many ute fans and I am hopeful that we can
give them yet another course when we dispatch "a conference brother" of
the underperforming, properly recognized utes...

Indeed it is a great
time to be a Cougar Fan...

thebigsamoanRichmond, VA

March 16, 2014 9:28 p.m.

@Cool Cat CosmoPayson, UT

"Congrats Cougs! Good job on
earning a spot, now get ready and make us proud!"

Make us proud?
Heck dude, them getting an invite has already made us proud! Now if
they're fortunate enough to win and advance, that would be just icing on
the cake.

Go Cougars! Go Wildcats! And good luck to the Utes and
Aggies too in the NIT! Hope they got invited already!

CougarOnTheProwlMurray, UT

March 16, 2014 9:05 p.m.

BYU gets deserved respect due to their SOS and RPI, well done Cougars! Now lets
go take down Oregon!

Go Cougars!!!

Joe SchmoeOrem, UT

March 16, 2014 9:00 p.m.

So how did Utah get rewarded for being in the prestigious conference? They at
least got a home game and a #1 seed in the NIT right? Right? But we are in
the Pac!!! We demand prestige!

Did you know that in the last decade
Utah has been in the big dance once? Once? How did they do? One and done.
Meanwhile the Cougs have been in the sweet 16.

Why are all of these
ute fans on here again?

SportsFanOrem, UT

March 16, 2014 8:58 p.m.

Ken

6 PAC 12 teams... and Utah isn't one of them.2 WCC
teams... and BYU is one of them.

Despite the early season upset at
home, the difference between the two programs is night and day.

GoRedWEST VALLEY CITY, UT

March 16, 2014 8:34 p.m.

@eddie

"BYU a ten seed in the BIG Dance, Woooooowhoooo! That must
mean that the u must be a number a 4 seed......in the NIT!"

Considering Utah demolished BYU earlier in the year, that just shows,
unfortunately, the huge gap between the level of competition the Utes now face
as opposed to the level of competition that BYU now faces. In some ways, it is
to BYU's advantage to now be playing in an inferior league. The selection
committee only glances at many of these teams' overall records without
fully taking into consideration the level of competition that teams in the major
conferences have to face on a weekly basis.

@worf

"BYU, are state champs".

I hate to burst your bubble, but
that honor was decided December 14 in Salt Lake. Head-to-head competition =
Utah 81 BYU 64.

OmahaCougOmaha, NE

March 16, 2014 8:08 p.m.

When it comes to conferences and teams....

Pac12 gets six teams in...
and Utah is NOT one of them.

WCC gets two teams in... and BYU IS one
of them.

Which matters more, your team or your conference?

Go, Cougars!

tyler11385Springville, UT

March 16, 2014 8:00 p.m.

I'm having a hard time finding an NIT bracket on ESPN, could someone help
me locate this? :)

SamwiseSalt Lake City, UT

March 16, 2014 7:46 p.m.

My hopes for the first round game would be a lot higher if Collinsworth
wasn't injured, but I think it is still winnable if Carlino plays well. I
am also counting on a good game from Haws, Mika, and Austin, as well as the
usual from the rest of the team. But Carlino is the real wildcard for BYU. When
he is good, he can be really, really good. But when he is not good, he usually
is really not good. Go BYU!

UteologyEast Salt Lake City, Utah

March 16, 2014 7:46 p.m.

@Bastiatarian

On the other hand, Utah HAS been to the tournament once
in the past decade...and lost in the first round. Oh, there was the mighty march
to the second round of the CBI one year as well.

During those same
years, BYU did have three one-and-dones, but also two second rounds and a Sweet
Sixteen. And a semi-final game in the NIT.

-------------

Depends on how you count the past decade, do you count it from 2004-2013 or
2005-2014? Either way Utah has a Sweet 16 and is either 2-3 or 2-2. And that
is the WORST decade in our history.

BYU during its best decade in
history is 4-6: Sweet 16, Round of 32, Play-in-win, 3 Round of 64 (aka 3
one-and-done).

Good luck to
the Utes. I hope they do well in the NIT. Seriously though.

poymanLincoln City, OR

March 16, 2014 7:39 p.m.

This will certainly be an opportunity for my man Bartley... Well he step up? or
won't he? Think Utah State... Give us that game performance again.

tyler11385Springville, UT

March 16, 2014 7:36 p.m.

It must be great to have conference pride to fall back on...

Y-Ask-Y?Provo, UT

March 16, 2014 7:18 p.m.

Let's play ball! Haws had better channel Jimmer and step up big time, or
this will be embarassing.

Go Cougars!

UteologyEast Salt Lake City, Utah

March 16, 2014 7:05 p.m.

Oregon vs BYUUtah vs @SMC

WCC is 1-5 vs PAC-12 teams. Lets see
if that trend continues into the post-season.

@Cougs4Life:
"I'm sure that we will hear all about 1-and-done predictions from our
friends on the hill. But wouldn't you rather be in than out? Unless of
course your just accustomed to being out..."

Not just your
friends on the Hill but across the nation as well, Vegas is picking Oregon.

We are accustomed to winning when we're in. Even during our worst
time in history, over the last 10 years, we are 2-3 with a Sweet 16. For a
comparison, BYU in it's best decade, has only 3 wins (4-6 includes a
play-in game win) with a Sweet 16.

Good luck to the Wildcats. A team that gets to play the team
that just beat Utah. Might be the best way to see who plays the best basketball
from SLC to Ogden. I'm watching the point spread on that one.

And good luck Utes in the NIT. A road game. Tough draw...

Spokane UteSpokane, WA

March 16, 2014 6:53 p.m.

BYU got a good and justified seed. Joe Lunardi had them as the last 4 in and
that didn't seem right. Gonzaga got hosed. A BPI of 25 and RPI of 21 and
that equates to a 8 seed?

fY I Utah plats st. Mary's in the NIT
and I'm good with that. Good luck to BYU and Go Utes!

Adirondack CougarLoon Lake, NY

March 16, 2014 6:53 p.m.

Congrats Cougars. Let's go Sharp, Halford, and especially Bartley.

worfMcallen, TX

March 16, 2014 6:50 p.m.

@Ken:

BYU is not the blame for Utah joining the PAC.

Bowling, and dancing is great.

CougOrUte..NaahNibley, UT

March 16, 2014 6:48 p.m.

Not a big Cougar fan, but I have to congratulate them for getting the
invitation. Wow a 10 seed is great. I think it surprised everyone. I hope you do
well and win your first game, that is the only way you are going to quiet the
Ute fan who post on BYU articles. Yes is better to be 1 and Done than Done
Before One. Best of luck in winning the first one. Good luck to Coach Rahe as
well, a tough, tough match up. Hope you hit 42 at least.

souptwinsLindon, UT

March 16, 2014 6:41 p.m.

This is a very pleasant surprise. I'd thought we'd get a first four
game at best. Playing Oregon is also not a bad draw. Taking them to OT on
their floor should give the team some confidence but I think we're a
different team without Collingsworth. Hope others can step up and fill the
gaps. With his versatility, it will take everyone taking a piece of what he
contributed. The most important piece will getting Carlino to get his head on
straight. Now would be a good time for a visit with a sports psych.
BTW--Whomever suggested that Collinsworth be sitting on the bench to cheer the
team on has no idea what ACL surgery is like. I mean, really? He's having
surgery on Tues and they play in Milwaukee on Thurs. Yeah, that's not
going to happen.

Down underSalt Lake City, UT

March 16, 2014 6:37 p.m.

BYU travels well so they should have a good fan base for their first game. That
may help them get over th hump. If BYU had played Oregon on a neutral court
earlier in the year they probably would have won so I give the Cougars a good
chance to win this one. 7-10 games often are historically the toughest to call
the winner on.Go Cougs

agbLayton, UT

March 16, 2014 6:36 p.m.

This certainly is not congruent with what the experts on the hill have been
saying. The selection committee must have made a mistake.

worfMcallen, TX

March 16, 2014 6:34 p.m.

@moderateinmagna:

Not in tournament. NIT

Just Wondering...Gilbert, AZ

March 16, 2014 6:15 p.m.

...this must be the kind of respect a program earns by making the tourney 6 out
of the last 7 years!

moderateinmagnaMAGNA, UT

March 16, 2014 6:15 p.m.

CougarSunDevilPhoenix, AZ

Has anyone heard if Utah got an
invite...to the NIT? I for 1 don,t care about the Utes they have the most
classless fans anywhere,as experienced by their posts on this thread,Max Hall
was completely right about the ute fans,and it gets proven every time they
open their mouth

ArchibaldSLC, UT

March 16, 2014 6:14 p.m.

Proud of my Cougars going dancing! 10 seed is higher than expected, very cool.
I'd love to see them battle with Oregon. But something doesn't add up
here.... I don't see the best team in the state with the best players in
the best conference anywhere in the brackets. What gives?

worfMcallen, TX

March 16, 2014 6:11 p.m.

Again!

BYU, are state champs with Weber coming in second.

BastiatarianTUCSON, AZ

March 16, 2014 6:03 p.m.

>another one-and-done for dr

And another done-before-one for
Utah. Huzzah!

On the other hand, Utah HAS been to the tournament once
in the past decade...and lost in the first round. Oh, there was the mighty march
to the second round of the CBI one year as well.

During those same
years, BYU did have three one-and-dones, but also two second rounds and a Sweet
Sixteen. And a semi-final game in the NIT.

To be fair, I do remember
when Utah was good. But then, I'm pretty old.

As a University of
Arizona alum/employee, I should probably include the Wildcats' postseason
history to provide further context, but that would just make Utah fans feel even
worse and out of place in our conference, so I'll refrain.

ImaUteFanWest Jordan, UT

March 16, 2014 6:01 p.m.

CougarSunDevil - The selection show for the NIT is at 6:30 on ESPNU if
you're interested in seeing the Utes get their first post-season bid in
several years.

Congrats to the Cougars. Even my Cougar-lovin'
husband was shocked that they got a 10 seed.

toosmartforyouFarmington, UT

March 16, 2014 5:59 p.m.

Congratulations BYU! Those on the hill are pretty jealous if their comments are
any indication. Nice to see Weber State be an automatic qualifier, too, so
there are a couple good teams in the state, when considering the body of their
work. Whichever game eventually takes BYU out of the tournament, I bet they
score at least 40 points!! I feel badly for the last game the Aggies played as
they seemed to copy the effort of Utah with the mighty 39 point showing. But at
least we have a game at the big dance---us and WSU!! Go Wildcats. Go Cougars.

TFUDDSLC, UT

March 16, 2014 5:58 p.m.

Actually a 10 seed would denote that BYU was a bubble team. The tournament
generally used the 10-12 seeds for the bubble teams. Then why as low of a seed
for a mediocre BYU team? You have to take into consideration all the conference
champions such Harvard, Weber STate, Coastal Carolina or Wofford...teams that
even if they lost 1 or 2 games throughout the year couldn't be considered
higher seeds with the schedules they play.

WA_Alum&DadMarysville, WA

March 16, 2014 5:44 p.m.

Great seed! This was way beyond my expectations, and it feels like playing the
Ducks is as good a situation as we could hope for. A neutral floor, with
(hopefully) neutral refs is all we can ask for from the tourney.

Let's hope "good Matt" shows up without KC on the floor.

Jeff lsFarr West, 84404

March 16, 2014 5:40 p.m.

It is interesting to note that once upon a time the NIT was the big tournament,
not the NCAA Tournament. BYU has won that one twice. Jeff Condon and Dick
Namelka were the big name players in that time frame. The NIT was also
considered the National Championship. It will be interesting to see if Utah is
invited to the NIT this year. I have respect for the teams but no respect for
the Utah fans. It is amazing how so few can give so many such a bad name.Jeff

Cougar Blue 1Henderson , NV

March 16, 2014 5:37 p.m.

This is why you play a tough schedule. Good job Cougs. Best of luck in the NIT
utes, or maybe the CIT.

JoeCougOREM, UT

March 16, 2014 5:31 p.m.

Sweeeeeet! Win or lose, great opportunity for a hard-working team and
recruiting. I think the seed is better than expected/deserved, but I'm
tickled. Will be a tough row to hoe without KC, but anything can happen on a
neutral floor. Best of luck, Cougars!

CopaceticLogan, UT

March 16, 2014 5:28 p.m.

I'm happy and excited for this opportunity that BYU has earned. The
percentage of times they've earned the opportunity for post-season play
under coach Rose is quite remarkable and very consistent.

If it
wasn't for the obnoxious attitude of one particular Ute fan that always has
us "marking it down", I would've wanted Utah (and all other local
universities) to have gotten in as well. It's usually very satisfying
whenever local schools represent our state well.

As such, good luck
to the Cougars. I hope your NCAA run lasts awhile. My family and friends will be
pulling for both you and Weber State.

Bobby joeSAINT GEORGE, UT

March 16, 2014 5:26 p.m.

Congrats Cougars! Glad there's no play in game. Good job selection
committee for not penalizing BYU because of the Collinsworth injury. Nice to
get another shot against Oregon! Great chance for Bartley to shine! Good luck
guys!

yankees27Heber, Utah

March 16, 2014 5:22 p.m.

Usually I have a hard time with 7vs10 picks, this one is simple! byU is famous
for going "one and done" so Oregon by 7, probably more, but 7 sounds
fair.

CougarSunDevilPhoenix, AZ

March 16, 2014 5:09 p.m.

Has anyone heard if Utah got an invite...to the NIT?

CougarSunDevilPhoenix, AZ

March 16, 2014 5:09 p.m.

Oh yeah! Both my teams in the NCAA tourney,

idabluIdaho Falls, ID

March 16, 2014 5:03 p.m.

Wow. More generous than I anticipated. We'll take it... I just hope Rose
can figure out a way to make it competitive with the loss of their best player.
Hint: it is going to take teamwork, less dribbling, and good ball movement. This
team has shown they can play at a high level without missing a beat with Hawes
out, filling the void Collingsworth leaves is a much more difficult task, I
believe. Haws does 2 things (scoring and foul shooting) very well. Collingsworth
does 4 things very well.

Cool Cat CosmoPayson, UT

March 16, 2014 5:01 p.m.

Congrats Cougs! Good job on earning a spot, now get ready and make us proud!

Mildred in FillmoreSalt Lake City, UT

March 16, 2014 5:00 p.m.

A 10 seed?

We should have at least been a 5 or 6 seed.

rlsintxPlano, TX

March 16, 2014 4:58 p.m.

Nice Weber State and BYU get bids !

Go do something with that
opportunity !

ex patria cougarAustralia, 00

March 16, 2014 4:57 p.m.

Wow -- way to go Cougs. Playing a tough OOC schedule appears to really have
paid off. Despite losing Collinsworth, this matchup should give BYU some
confidence going in. (1) They are familiar with their 1st round opponent, and
(2) they almost beat Oregon earlier this year.

Now they'll
just need to go out and play ball.

AlekhinHerriman, UT

March 16, 2014 4:57 p.m.

Love it! What do Ute fans want to say now. It isn't a play in game and a 10
seed is not a last team in. Now all you can say is they will be one and done.
You know you would rather have the Utes be one and done, than playing in the
NIT!!

Juxtaposed West Jordan , UT

March 16, 2014 4:56 p.m.

It's nice to see BYU make the tourney this year. Yes, they had some bad
losses and I don't expect them to beat Oregon but it's not too hard to
envision them improving in the next few years with two or three more good
recruits. The U seems to be only a couple players away as well from making it
back to the tourney and it seems like Kryskoviak has them pointed in the right
direction. As always, sports in this state are more entertaining when everyone
is doing well and it looks like both programs are going to be worth watching
down the road.

PipesSalt Lake City, UT

March 16, 2014 4:55 p.m.

BYU is going dancing.Go Cougars!

Northwest CougPasco, WA

March 16, 2014 4:55 p.m.

Pretty sweet for the Cougs.

I'm especially impressed the
committee didn't force the Cougs, or any team for that matter, into a first
round matchup against Dayton on their home floor.

Looks like yet another one-and-done for dr on College Basketball's biggest
stage....Oregon won't be taken into OT again by byu....They're rolling
right now, winning 8 of 9 before losing to eventual PAC-12 Tournament Champion
UCLA, and this wasn't against a triple-digit conference SOS....This is not
the match-up byu would've hoped for!

Old But Not StupidMoorpark, CA

March 16, 2014 4:51 p.m.

Well, well. Wonder what all the naysayers will chime in with. Only way to
silence them is to win the game.

These two conferences are night and day different, not just
slightly apart.

TRUTHSalt Lake City, UT

March 16, 2014 4:43 p.m.

Were in ....sorry Utes, your out! Should be a great game even without
collinsorth.......time for others to step up

Lifelong UteSalt Lake City, UT

March 16, 2014 4:42 p.m.

I was always going to cheer against byu. And I was always going to support our
conference brothers. Now it will be double sweet for byu to go one and done
against our conference. Isn't it funny that byu hasn't gone past the
sweet 16 in several decades?

And byu has zero final fours EVER

Tom in CAVallejo, CA

March 16, 2014 4:42 p.m.

Sure is nice to be included with all the big boys. lol.

Sand FleaFALLING WATERS, WV

March 16, 2014 4:41 p.m.

Congrats to the cougars. I guess this means Chris B will be quiet for a week...

Truth MachineSalt Lake City, UT

March 16, 2014 4:41 p.m.

Congratulations BYU on a well-deserved invitation to the Big Dance!

It will be an interesting rematch with Oregon in Milwaukee to see how BYU
adjusts to the loss of Collinsworth.

What's with Power
Conference teams being with matched in "play-in" games. Haven't we
been told that those games are reserved for mid-majors?

Let the games
begin.

Go Cougars!

Jumbojimbo Cheyenne, WY

March 16, 2014 4:38 p.m.

Yay, no play in game. Apparently the selection committee though more of BYU than
most have said. Sorry Utah, better luck next year.

Chris BSalt Lake City, UT

March 16, 2014 4:37 p.m.

Go PAC 12 ducks!

CrowSandy , UT

March 16, 2014 4:35 p.m.

Guaranteed win in your office bracket Oregon from the PAC12 moves on to the 2nd
round with an easy win over the 2nd place wcc team. Looks like another one and
done for byu.

KralonHUNTINGTON BEACH, CA

March 16, 2014 4:33 p.m.

A number 10 seed? With Collinsworth out I am surprised, but good luck to the
Cougars! This kinda means to me that BYU wasn't really on the bubble, with
a very difficult out-of-conference schedule it seems the mostly close losses to
good teams did count.

While the Cougars did play at Oregon earlier in
the season and only lost in overtime, both teams will be different now. Still,
even with the changes it should be a fun game to watch!

Go Cougars!

teamnashMesa, Az

March 16, 2014 4:31 p.m.

We're goin dancin folks

CougaristaSalt Lake City, UT

March 16, 2014 4:29 p.m.

Win or lose, being at the dance is better than watching it on TV. Good luck
Cougars. Here's to Kyle's knee being good enough to dance next March.

mindgamesAurora, CO

March 16, 2014 4:28 p.m.

Awesome!! We don't have to do the play in game and we get to play an up
tempo team.Should be fun.Hope Kyle can join the team. He has been
an inspirational player all season, so I think he would be inspirational from
the bench,

Cougs4LifeGilbert, AZ

March 16, 2014 4:23 p.m.

Wow...10 seed and no play in game? Not so much on the bubble, I guess, as one
of the top 40 teams in the tourney. Unfortunately, Oregon was tough when the
Cougs were at full strengths. I'm sure that we will hear all about
1-and-done predictions from our friends on the hill. But wouldn't you
rather be in than out? Unless of course your just accustomed to being out...

EddieSyracuse, UT

March 16, 2014 4:23 p.m.

BYU a ten seed in the BIG Dance, Woooooowhoooo! That must mean that the u must
be a number a 4 seed......in the NIT! ( Other wise known as the little dance).